Making a Party

Making a Party

Balance your guest list
Here's a tip; Aim at a balance of personalities within a framework of not-too-different interests and backgrounds. Choose some shy guests, some outgoing (and see that they meet). Your best bet; People genuinely interested in others.

Create a party atmosphere
This helps people relax and catch the mood for fun. The big thing is the setting. It needn't be fancy. Of course, the party in your living room is apt to be more formal than one in the back yard. Make sure your table looks attractive, uncluttered. Lighting is important too. Use lamps and the glow from candles and fireplace. Skip the harsh overhead lights.
Do things in keeping with your own budget and surroundings-your entertaining will have a flavor all its own.

Make your schedule flexible
The good hostess keeps a finger on the pulse of her party. For instance, at a dinner party there is the "right" time to eat-the alert hostess can sense when it is, pick the moment before conversation lags or appetites become ravenous.

Plan ahead for successful party
* Organize you party early. List major jobs which must be done ahead; Decide what to serve, groceries to buy, how to set the table, when to cook the food. Plan a schedule and check off each item as you finish it.
* Serving something new? It's a good idea to try the recipe first - see if you like the flavor, if it suits the occasion.
* You'll save diswashing if you count on smart ovenware and electric skillets that can travel from the kitchen to the table.
* Before the party, decide how to split the duties between the host and hostess.
*Budget your time-save some precious moments to relax before the guests arrive.

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How to Serve a Buffet

How to Serve a Buffet : (source : Better Homes & Gardens)

Buffet-style serving is fun, whether supper is for 5 or 50!. Begin with a buffet centered around good food and an attractive table.

Setting the table

If guests are to sit at the dining table or at card tables, have the places all set beforehand with linens, silver, glassware, and salt and pepper shakers.
For a buffet, you can go fancy and use your best china ; or keep it casual with simple accessories. It's all up to you.
There's no hard and fast rule for setting a buffet. Most important : Arrange it attractively-no crowding. Place serving dishes to make it easy for guests to help themselves. Often big dishes are placed in the center at each end of the buffet table. Include a serving fork or spoon alongside each food that's offered. Place extras, such as sauce, near food they accompany.
Serving a crowd? Make twin arrangements of food, one on each side of the table. You'll avoid traffic tie-ups; self-serving will move right along.
Decide ahead of time exactly how many forks, spoons, plates and cups you'll need and put out just that number. The food and tableware can go on the dining table, sideboard, or both.

Time to Eat!!

Guests would begin by picking up plates and napkins.(Here napkins are stacked with plates to save room on the table; but they might be arranged beside the plates or placed with silver)
Guests would go around the table, helping themselves to meat, vegetables, relishes, salad, rolls.

Serving dessert

Have dessert arranged on side table; or clear buffet and arrange dessert, plates, and silver or let guests help themselves. Or pass tray of desserts to guests seated at tray or card tables. Serve coffee with either the meal or dessert, or both. Usually any beverages go on buffet or a side table.